Mike Hesson - "If we are looking ahead to four years'
time and the next World Cup, this is the perfect opportunity to start that
development"

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has two main objectives for
the team's upcoming tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa - to win both the ODI
series, and ensure his players evolve into "solid international
cricketers".

Speaking ahead of New Zealand's departure for Africa, Hesson
admitted that New Zealand were still hurting from their 2-3 series defeat to
England last month, but said the team's young talents will be "better
off" from the experience.

"There were a couple of times when we had the game by
the scruff of the neck and we let that slip," Hesson said. "We were
very disappointed with that. We also exposed some young guys at key times and
they will be better off for that. In this group we have guys like George Worker
and Ben Wheeler who are trying to make their way in international cricket.

"If we are looking ahead to four years' time and the
next World Cup, this is the perfect opportunity to start that development. Two
years ago we did the same with Corey
Anderson, James Neesham and Mitch McClenaghan on their first
tour."

With regular captain Brendon McCullum rested for the tour,
Hesson felt the series offered Kane Williamson a great opportunity to display
his mettle and leadership skills.

"We can only make our judgement based on history and
last year in the UAE, Kane scored a huge amount of runs and he evolved as a
leader throughout the tour. This is another opportunity to continue his
development.

"Brendon and Kane are different characters, but Kane is
a senior player that has a say in the way we play the game. We don't all
revolve around one person. Brendon obviously makes all of the decisions on the
field but there are a number of players who play a part in that."

In addition to McCullum, New Zealand will also be without
their frontline seamers Tim Southee and Trent Boult for the tour. In their
absence, Hesson called for the likes of Mitchell
McClenaghan, George Worker and Adam
Milne, who had been sidelined since March with a heel injury, to step up.

"Mitch is a senior player on this tour. He had a very
good tour here last time, it was his first one and they didn't know a lot about
him," Hesson said. "He has got some confidence from the county scene
recently and I know he is really keen to get over there.

"Anyone who bowls at 150km per hour puts a lot of
stress on the body and is going to struggle to stay on the park all the time.
We accept that and that is what we want to see from Adam. He has had some tough
times with an injury that has lingered but he is feeling good. The key for us
is to not go too hard too soon with him.

"Everyone matures a little differently whether that be
from a cricket point of view or a life point of view. Some guys peak early and
then need a break. George has done the hard yards and deserves his opportunity
through performance."

New Zealand are scheduled to play three ODIs and one T20I in
Zimbabwe starting August 2, and three ODIs and two T20Is in South Africa.